Old School Cubs

This set has become my addiction. I wanted to design a retro set for Cubs and White Sox players. With a few successes, this set soon morphed into a monster. I'm trying to collect the signatures of every living Chicago Cub alum, As of August 2011, I'm over 85 returns, all players from the 1940's-1970's.

Danny Murphy

Finally brought one of my white whales home! Danny Murphy in 18 days via his home (K1AO).

Jim Willis

Great to have one of the oldest living alumni of the Cubs organization come through. I saw he was signing for the first time in forever and whipped up one to send out. 9 days door to door, his daughters kept 2/3 I sent, which is totally cool and returned 1 with a nice note.

Nelson Mathews

My second attempt was a keeper for Mr. Mathews. He returned 3/4 customs (K!AO) in 20 days via his home.

Jim McAnany

Even though he played more on the South Side than the North Side, was able to pick up Jim McAnany. He returned 2/4 in 14 days via his home.

Duke Simpson

Tom "Duke" Simpson returned 3/4 in 15 days via his home. He was one of the older Cubs players I needed. Glad to have him home. He also included a nice note.

Jack Warner

Mr. Warner pitched for the Cubs between 1962 and 1965. Mr. Warner returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 13 days.

Don Kessinger

I finally was able to snag the 6X all star. 18 days round trip via his business. Returned 4/4.

Hy Cohen

Pitched for one season with the Cubs in 1955. One of the oldest I had out. Returned 3/4 in 8 days via his home (K1AO).

Billy WIlliams (HOF Mojo!)

Had seen some successes for Billy Williams coming back from Spring Training and had to take a shot. Mr. Williams graciously signed 2/2 customs and returned them in 22 days.

Dick Burwell

Incredible return from a short time Cub. Mr. Burwell played in 5 games for the Cubs in 60-61. He returned 3/3 customs, included three 4x6 cards and wrote a great note.

Tony Balsamo

One of my longer stories for a return. I sent Mr. Balsamo four customs in the fall of 2011. He returned 3 of them... signed on the back. He also requested a dozen from me. I sent him 16 more, requesting a signature on the front of the card and he complied and sent a nice note. Good to have him off the list!

Morrie Steevens

Former Cubs Hurler Morrie Steevens returned 4/4, plus a little note in 9 days via his home.

Tony Balsamo

Well, it's a goofy success, but a success nonetheless. The former pitcher signed the backs of 3/4 customs (K1AO). He also requested a dozen more... I'll send em, as long as he signs the front, LOL!

Jack Spring

Got this return back from Jack Spring, took 31 days, he returned 3/4 customs (K1AO). This is my 100th return from my Cubs Retro set!

Doug Clemens

Mr. Clemens played outfield for the Cubs in 1964-65, and also played for the Phillies and Cardinals. He returned 3/4 customs in 8 days via his home.

Dave Dowling

Mr. Dowling returned 4/4 customs in 15 days via his home. Mr. Dowling pitched one game for the Cubs in 1966, going all 9 innings and getting the win while striking out 3 and walking none.

Moe Morhardt

Cubs first baseman returned 3/4 customs, all personalized, in 8 days via his home. Kept 1 as offered.

Dave Hillman

Wow. This one took 246 days to come home, but am so happy to have it. Mr. Dave Hillman returned 3/4 customs (K1AO). Signed nicely. I sent a $5 donation.

Daryl Robertson

Former Cubs Shortstop had a little cup of coffee in the show during the 1962 season, appearing in 9 games. He returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 10 days via his home.

Billy Ott

Returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 14 days via his home. This was a longshot. the last success I had seen was 2005.

Mel Roach

Former Utility Man returned 2/4 customs in 11 days via his home.

Bobby Gene Smith

Cubs outfielder returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 7 days.

Leo Burke

Great return... I love this card. Former Cub catcher returned 3/4 in 7 days (K1AO).

Ben Johnson

Former Cubs pitcher returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 14 days via his home.

Phil Mudrock

Mr. Mudrock pitched in one game for the Cubs in 1963. His only appearance in the majors. He returned 2/3 (K1AO) in 9 days.

Jim Marshall

Former first sacker and manager returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 9 days via his home.

Bill Henry

This was my 2nd request to Mr. Henry. This time I sent a $10 donation and he returned 4/4 customs in 9 days.

Ellis Burton

Former Cubbie Outfielder returned 4/4 customs in 21 days via his home.

Bobby Shantz

One of the most reliable signers in the hobby today! Mr. Shantz returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 9 days via his home.

Red Adams

Wow. Excited to see this one come home. This one now holds the record for length gone since I started back up again...210 Days. Mr. Adams signed all four cards for me, plus sent a 4X6 from his time with the Dodgers, and a great letter. He played eight games for the Cubs in 1946.

Joe Schaffernoth

Mr. Schaffernoth came through in 13 days. Kept 1 as offered, returned 3/4.

Jack Curtis

Another short time Cub, but he came through. Returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) and personalized them to me and my kids. Took 32 days door to door.

Solly Drake

Sooo stoked about this one. I sent to Rev. Drake in January. I had seen many reports that he did not sign at all, but took a shot and sent a $20 to his church. Received 1/4 customs back signed (also returned 1 unsigned) and returned my $20 donation. This was one I thought wouldn't happen, but I am very happy to have it home!

Paul Smith

Former First Sacker, Paul Smith returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 10 days via his home.

Harry Perkowski

Again, another one year player for the Cubs, but an auto I have been trying to get for quite sometime. Glad I was able to get him! He returned 4/4 in 10 days via his home.

Art Ceccarelli

Returned 3/4 customs in 7 days. Also placed a piece of cardboard in the envelope to protect the cards. Cool return.

Chuck Hartenstein

Former Cub Hurler returned 3/4 customs, K1AO, in 9 days. Personalized them to me and my kids.

Carl Warwick

Mr. Warwick returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 10 days. I typo'd this, placing him as a pitcher, which he pointed out was incorr4ect. He also said he doesn't sign customs, but personalized all of them to me.

Jim Colborn

Former hurler returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 8 days via his home.

Art Schult

One of the best friends to the autograph hobby... Mr. Schult signed 3/4 (K1AO) in 6 days via his home.

Charlie Silvera

Another one year wonder for the Cubs. After a successful career as a Yankee, Mr. Silvera finished up in Chi-town. He returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 25 days via his home.

Don Zimmer

Popeye signed 3/4 customs (K1AO) via his home in 12 days. Don't know if his wife ghosted them on not, but still a nice looking sig.

Dick Gernert

9 days on the return via his home. Kept 1 as offered, returned 3/4 customs.

Lee Thomas

Former Outfielder returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 9 days via his home.

Sammy Taylor

Former Cubs catcher returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 8 days via his home. He also included a nice letter, although someone else wrote it and he signed it, and signed the envelope. Cool return.

Grady Hatton

Another short time Cub, but had a great career, mostly with the Reds. Mr. Hatton returned 4/4 customs in 8 days.

Bob Anderson

It took 2 attempts, but I finally scored Bob Anderson. He returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) and included a form letter, which he then signed at the bottom. Great success.

Bob Del Greco

Only played with the Cubs a short time, finding a usable pic for the card was tough. Mr. Del Greco returned all 4 customs, plus included a signed index card. It took 36 days and I included a $20 donation

Gordy Massa

Another short time Cub for the collection. Mr. Massa returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 9 days via his home.

John Boccabella

Quick return on this one. 7 days via his home. Returned 3/4 (K1AO).

Irv Noren

Played one year with the Cubs. Returned 3/4 customs (kept1 one as offered) in 14 days via his home. I sent $20 donation.

Alex Grammas

Former Cubs infielder signed 3/4 customs, kept one as offered in 12 days via his home.

Ed Mayer

Mr. Mayer pitched for the Cubs in 1957 & 1958. Although his career was short, he was very gracious with his return to me. He returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered, then included 3 copies of a Topps Heritage Card and also wrote a nice note.

Taylor Phillips

Pretty cool story for Mr. Phillips. I sent him a set to sign, only to have him return them because I had labeled him as an outfielder rather than a pitcher. He asked me to fix the error and send back, so I did. He then returned three of those customs (and kept 1 as offered) but also attached the following note. Needless to say, I'm humbled. I will be putting a batch together for him soon!

Bill "Gabe" Gabler

Mr. Gabler's professional career consists of three pinch hit appearances for the 1958 Cubs. Still awesome to get his sig. Super fast, he returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 6 days via his home.

Eddie Haas

This outfielder broke in with the Cubs in 1957. Only spent one year with them, but I'm glad to add him to the list. This one took 71 days to come back, but well worth the wait.

Jim Woods

Former Cubs third baseman had a quick release on this one... 8 days door to door, returned 3/4 customs via his home, kept 1 as offered.

Hobie Landrith

Although he only played one year on the North side, he had a heck of a career. Returned 3/4 customs in 6 days via his home. Also wrote a nice note on my LOR. I sent a $20 donation.

Chick King

My second King in the Cub Collection. He returned 3/4, kept one as offered in 8 days via his home.

Frank Ernaga

This former outfielder played in a couple different seasons for the Cubs. He returned 3/4 (kept 1 as offered) in about 12 days.

John Goryl

Mr. Goryl is my 51st return from this set. He returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 6 days via his home address.

Bob Will

Now this is a great return! Mr. Will returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 6 days, and included his own 5X7 picture and a 3 page note in return. Mr. Will is not in good health, but truly a class act with the autograph community. I did include a $20 donation. He also asked me to send a few additional copies of my card for his grandchildren which I will gladly make up for him.

Ed Mickelson

Cool return from Mr. Ed Mickelson. He kept 1 as offered, but signed & personalized 3/4 back to me and my kids. Took 7 days round trip.

Jim Fanning

Mr Fanning returned 4/4 customs in 24 days via his home. He replaced 1 of the 4 with his own card and wrote a great letter.

Ed Winceniak

25 day turnaround from this former Cub. He returned 3/4 (kept 1 as offered) and included the years he played.

Don Larsen

Mr. Larsen returned 4/4 in 10 days via his home. I included $20 donation.

Vito Valentinetti

Mr. Valentinetti signed 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) via his home in 9 days. Also asked me to send a few more to him, which I will do shortly!

Turk Lown

Mr. Lown signed 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 14 days via his home. I included a$20 donation.

Johnny Briggs

Returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 9 days via his home.

Gale Wade

Great return from this Ole Cub. Included the years he played and personalized them to me and my kids.

Jerry Kindall

Former second sacker returned 3/4 (kept 1 as offered)

Jim King

Returned 3/4... kept 1 as offerd

Bobby Morgan

Returned 2/4, but that's fine. Great return, in my mind.

Bob Zick

Took me awhile to find a good pick of Mr. Zick (Thanks RockiesFan33!) Returned 3/4, kept 1 as offered.

Bob Speake

Mr. Speake returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 9 days via his home.

John Pyecha

One of the "one game wonder" stories throughout baseball. Mr. Pyecha pitched in one game for the Cubs in 1954 and never made the show again. He graciously signed 4/4 customs via his home in 9 days.

Don Kaiser

This former high school phenom and Cubs pitcher returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 9 days via his home.

Bill Tremel

Eleven day turn around for this former Cubs hurler. Returned 3/4, kept 1 as offered.

Lindy McDaniel

Mr. McDaniel signed 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) and sent a signed stat card in 13 days via his home. He was one of the best closers of his generation.

Cuno Barragan

Returned 3/4 customs in 68 days via his home, plus thanked me on my LOR.

Bob Usher

Mr. Usher returned 1/5 in 12 days via his home. He also signed my note saying he only signs/personalizes one so they aren't sold or traded. Happy to have one!

Bob Talbot

Mr. Talbot returned 4/4 customs in 8 days via his home.

Paul Schramka

Mr. Schramka returned 3/4 customs in 8 days via his home as well. He also included a signed copy of a Sun Times article.

Dr. Richard Nye

First time I sent to Dr. Nye, it came back as a RTS. Tried again via his home and success! Took 47 days, but Dr. Nye returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered).

Dick Manville

Glad to see this one come back through. I sent Mr. Manville a few customs late last year, but my SASE was soaked and the cards were destroyed. So, I resent 4 more to him and he returned 3/4 of those in 28 days via his home.

Jim Bolger

Another great Old School return. Jim Bolger returned 4/4 customs in nine days via his home.

Randy "Ransom" Jackson

I've been waiting patiently for this one. Received 3/4 customs back from the 2 time all star, he kept one as offered. Return took 17 days. Thank you, Mr. Jackson!

Bob Borkowski

11 days on this return from Mr. Borkowski via his home. Returned 3/4, kept 1 as offered. Very nice signature.

Bob Kelly

Mr. Kelly returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) via his home. Love the way this card turned out!

Wayne Terwilliger

Mr. Terwilliger was fast! Returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) and sent his own St. Paul Saints card in 7 days via his home. I also sent $20 donation.

Juan Pizarro

Hey, what's a good retro set without an error card! Still great to get Mr. Pizarro's autograph. Took 11 days round trip from Puerto Rico!

Johnny Schmitz

One of the oldest surviving Cubs players (with Cliff Chambers, Bob Rush, Andy Pafko, and Red Adams) He still has a great signature and returned 4/4 in 7 days from his home in Wisconsin!

Cliff Chambers

This former Cub, who threw a no hitter for the Pirates in 1941, returned 3/4 (kept 1 as offered) in 11 days via his home. I've wanted this one for awhile.

Fred Richards

"Fuzz" Richards played in 10 games for the Cubs in 1951. He signed and returned 3/4 customs in 5 days via his home. He kept one as offered. One card got stuck to the back of the glue on the envelope and was damaged, but still happy to have this return.

Billy Grabarkewitz

Billy G signed 2/4 customs (Offered 1, kept 2) in 9 days via his home. I sent a $10 donation with the request.

Jimmy Stewart

Quick turnaround for Mr. Stewart... a week door to door. He didn't sign in the autograph box and even switched pens in the middle of one signature, but I'm happy with the return anyway.

Jack Aker

Took me two tries for Mr. Aker. I sent to him late in 2010, but was unaware that he charged $5 per card and he returned the cards to me unsigned. I resent to him again with $20 and received all four cards signed in 4 days via his home.